He Zhenliang, a former International Olympic Committee vice-president, who was instrumental in Beijing winning the 2008 Olympics, has died. He was 85.
Known by the nickname “Mr. Olympics” in China, He was elected to the International Olympic Committee in 1981 and became vice-president in 1989, remaining in the position for four years.
“Mr. He was a man of culture and art,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “He was a true advocate of the social values of sport and of our movement. ... He also helped our movement better understand his country, its people and outstanding culture. The Olympic movement has lost one of its most fervent ambassadors.”
